Hi All,
I am planning on using PECO Code 83 tracks, mostly due to the fact that the turnouts seem to get better reviews. But I noticed that they seem to have only one crossing (SL-E8364). That crossing doesn’t need to fit my needs. I need a crossing similar to their Code 100 crossring SL-93. Can I use a Code 100 crossing in a code 83 layout? Alternatively I could use the Atlas crossing 573. Will I be able to connect the two?
Thanks so much!!
With some shimming and maybe a little filing, you may mix manufacturers. The Atlas Code 100 parts have thicker ties than the PECO Code 83 (as do the Atlas Code 83 parts, since they seem to be designed to have the same rail-top height as Atlas Code 100).
Some folks have had good success with using the PECO Code 75 crossings with PECO Code 83 track. Some shimming and a minimum of filing will probably be needed.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
I have intermixed Atlas and Peco track over the years without a single problem. I also came up with a way to intermix code 83 rail with code 100 rail without using a transition adapter. Filing the code 100 rail to fit with code 83 rail and using a regular joiner.
https://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-11-2015-code-100-track-to-code.html
It is possible to join any NMRA same scale track without problems. I couldn’t find a code 83 double crossover that would pass my Rivarossi deep flange wheels without a problem. The Atlas Custom Line code 83 turnouts easily passed my Rivarossi wheels so after many years going without a double crossover I made my own using Atlas turnouts and Atlas crossing. It has worked perfect for 8 years.
https://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2012/06/june-25-2012-my-double-crossover.html
https://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2014/07/july-27-2014-revisiting-my-double.html
Once you have chopped up a turnout and made it work modifying track gets quite easy.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Hi all
Does anyone apart from Atlas make a code 83 crossing 19 degree crossing? I’m using Peco track but they only have a #6 crossing.
bagal
I have done the exact same thing. [Y]
Rich
Walthers makes short (6" or so) straight Code 100 to Code 83 transition track sections. Same for Code 83 to Code 70 which I’ve used. Handy if a tad pricy.
Cutting the tie webs allows you to flex the transition track to use in a curve which l have also done.
Atlas makes Code 100 to Code 83 transition joiners with the step pre-bent into the joiner.
ME makes isolating transition joiners from plastic for Code 83 to Code 70, which I have used, which are handy if your power goes to both sides of the joint anyway. These are very tight and work well.
Mixing track brands can cause issues with the joiners selected. I have found the new Walthers joiners to be best in terms of manufacturing quality. Even for Walthers track they often require a little squeeze with flat jaw pliers to fit securely. Atlas joiners are larger due to Atlas rail profile having a heavier base. They don’t grip other brands of rail well at all, especially Peco. You may find Peco joiners too tight to fit easily onto Walthers, ME or Atlas track.
One more transition issue is tie depth. The new Walthers line has noticably shallower ties so even if the rail Code is the same you may wish to shim under the Walthers track side of any mixed brand of rails. There will be an air gap under the Walthers side if you choose not to shim.
Correction: Shinohara used to make these transition track sections for Walthers. I haven’t yet seen them in Walthers new Code 83 track product lineup.